Christopher Columbus Quotes

There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; and I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them, for I am well assured that they are all valuable. I bring home specimens of them, and also of the land.

I found that part of it towards San Salvador extending from north to south five leagues, and the other side which we coasted along, ran from east to west more than ten leagues.

I have come to believe that this is a mighty continent which was hitherto unknown.

Gold is the most precious of all commodities; gold constitutes treasure, and he who possesses it has all he needs in the world, as also the means of rescuing souls from purgatory, and restoring them to the enjoyment of paradise.

The Indians on board said that thence to Cuba was a voyage in their canoes of a day and a half; these being small dug-outs without a sail. Such are their canoes. I departed thence for Cuba, for by the signs the Indians made of its greatness, and of its gold and pearls, I thought that it must be Cipango.

For the execution of the voyage to the Indies, I did not make use of intelligence, mathematics or maps.

The air soft as that of Seville in April, and so fragrant that it was delicious to breathe it.

By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.

I’m telling you that India is that way, now set my course.

An old man came on board my boat; the others, both men and women cried with loud voices: “Come and see the men who have come from the sky. Bring them victuals and drink.”

It is hoped that by God’s assistance, some of the continents in the Ocean will be discovered … for the Glory of God.

One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. Variants include “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”.

It is easy to discover what another has discovered before.

Their houses are all built in the shape of tents, with very high chimneys.